This is a Log as we travel to keep us in touch with the real world. We spent a lot of time in the real world now we love the space in the travel world. We live and love full time in our motor home. We tow a Honda FIT to scout around in. We have driven to Alaska and all the lower 48 states. We parked and took a side trip to Hawaii. After traveling in over 20 countries we are most proud of the 1900+ miles we hiked on the Appalachian Trail. Our plans are to travel as long as our health allows.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Goodbye Manatees hello Chicken!

We had a great stay at Blue Springs State Park. Most days we got to walk a couple miles including the entire length of the Blue Springs run. This spring is the largest spring that feeds the St. John’s River as it meanders thru Florida. Something unique happened on our last walk. It was the first time we took the camera since the first day. There was no manatees at one platform we walked out on so I started tapping the rail lightly. I told Sherry I was calling a manatee.

Sure enough this one did come down the stream and over to me. Honest! He was probably 300 pounds (about 136 Keg).

The bottom picture shows its nose, they come up for air, and usually only the nose is visible.

Chickens? Oh that one.

Last night I slipped into bed with my Sherry, tired and worn out. No time for good night kiss (or other important stuff, like …. praying etc).

I awoke before the Pearly Gates, where St. Peter said, 'You died in your sleep, Jack.'

I was stunned.. 'I'm dead? No, I can't be! I've got too much to live for. Send me back!'

St. Peter said, 'I'm sorry, but there's only one way you can go back, and that is as a chicken.' I was devastated, but begged St. Peter to send me to a farm near Sherry. The next thing I knew, I was covered with feathers, clucking and pecking the ground, in South Belmont, NC

A rooster strolled past. 'So, you're the new hen, huh? How's your first day here?'

'Well, just relax and let it happen,' says the rooster. 'It's no big deal.'

I did, and a few uncomfortable seconds later, out popped an egg! I was overcome with emotion as wow, I had experienced motherhood. I soon laid another egg -- my joy was overwhelming..As I was about to lay his third egg, I felt a smack on the back of his head, and heard.....

"Jack, wake up! You messed in the bed!"

I just had to put that on, I read it on a forum I frequent. (Thanks Larry W.)

Thanks for coming for the silliness, and it ain’t even Sunday, as Bucko would say.

Back to Manatees, this is looking from the St. John's River back up toward Blue Springs. You see one of the viewing platforms along the board walk.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

. Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.-- Ronald Reagan (1986)

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Car of the day:

Just received from my friend Buddy, out in the NEW Mexico, says he loves this F250 Ford Flex (NEW Truck)

Two or may 3 great things in one post - wow you are on a roll today. How beautiful it is where you are, and to see that Manatee come when you called had to be amazing...that joke was a riot and I'm still chuckling...and last but not least is the FORD. We like those trucks and cars as they keep someone in our family working. Have a great Thursday there.

Hey! I'm not sure if it was Sherry or Jack who commented me lol But I came back to reply to your question. You asked why I, as a woman, would be interested in Islam. Well, there are a lot of misconceptions about the religion and the role women have. Islam teaches equality amongst men and women but both have a separate role. The man was built both physically and mentally to work and the woman was built to be the homemaker and child bearer. It's just natural. As far as women being oppressed, this is another common misconception. Women are valued and protected. The idea of Hijab is to keep the wondering eye from her body. It is to protect her and to keep her modesty.

I realize that there is a lot of abuse in the Middle East of Muslim women. But Arab countries make up a small portion of the entire Islamic religion. Islam is the 2nd largest Religion in the world.

Try not to confuse religion with culture. Also, not all people of Islam are true to their religion and misuse their rights (There are hypocrites in every religion!). A true Muslim man knows that he is expected to treat his wife with respect and love. The Quran does not teach men to mistreat their women.

Islam is a peaceful religion. We have been fooled by the media to believe that it is not. It is the extremists and terrorists that have given it a bad name. I have read and studied a lot. Learning has opened my eyes and debunked a lot of misconceptions that I had.

If you have doubts, read up on it. There are recourses everywhere. I don't claim to be an expert. I have a lot to learn myself but I can say that I feel as if I have learned enough to make a valid judgment.

That's my opinion. Thanks so much for reading! And thanks so much for being open minded and not judgmental when you read my blog! (((HUGS)))

Oh, and about the legal whippings, the man is not supposed to beat the woman excessively. He cannot break skin or bruise her body. Again, people abuse this law and take it to the extremes. It's hard for us as Americans to grasp the idea that it would be legal to physically correct a woman's behavior but the way I see it is that the idea is that the man is the leader. I guess it is the same idea of correcting a child's behavior by spanking.

Thanks Jack for your response. Indeed I do put a lot of thought into it. I go back and forth with a lot of ideas and trust me, I don't agree with everything I see. I just try to keep things in perspective from all sides. (((HUGS))) friend.

I'm having to play catch-up. Loved the Manatee pics, I guess he/she knew you wanted to take a picture also loved the previous pics from the beach. Also glad you didn't really turn into a chicken...ha. Might have been interesting though to read a blog a chicken wrote... :D Have a great weekend you two, Sheila

Jack! What do I say? On the Manatee, what great shots!! On the chicken dream ... it's time to purchase your Depends! On the truck . . . I love the looks of it - but is the grill going to allow enough air to keep the engine cool?

Children's Book (Toby's Tales)

The childrens's book introduces Paula the poet of http://pl78064.blogspot.com/ Paulinescountrytales. IT is a short story book, Mixture of Children's stories and for those in their second child hood. Great to have around to read to the kids, grand kids and great grand kids. See the short review at: https://www.createspace.com/3368239

BOOKS IN THE BELMONT AREA

My books are available locally at:Jeri-Lyn's Boutique423 East Catawba St.Belmont, NC704 825 8615Hrs: Mon-Sat 12-7Stop by and say Hello, You will love the shop!